‘King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence’ conferred on naval chief

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, who is on an official visit to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), has been conferred with “King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence” by Chief of General Staff Royal Saudi Armed Forces at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Chief of the Naval Staff called on Chief of General Staff Royal Saudi Armed Forces General Fayyad Al Ruwaili. During the meeting professional matters of mutual interest and bilateral defence ties were discussed.

General Fayyad Al Ruwaili acknowledged warm and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, based on strong defence foundations and historical ties and highly appreciated the role and contribution of Pakistan in spearheading various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The meeting was followed by a ceremony to confer “King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence” upon the CNS which is the highest military award of Royal Saudi Armed Forces. Later, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi visited Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Headquarters, Riyadh, where he was received by Commander Royal Saudi Naval Forces. A smartly turned out contingent of RSNF presented him Guard of Honour.

The CNS also called on Commander Royal Saudi Naval Forces in his office. During the meeting, the Naval Chief discussed matters of mutual interest including bilateral naval collaboration and security environment in Indian Ocean Region. Commander RSNF, Vice Admiral Fahad Abdullah Al Ghofaily appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan Navy personnel and active role being played by Pakistan Navy for maritime security and stability in the region.

He acknowledged the valuable training support being provided to RSNF by Pakistan Navy and applauded the successful conduct of Exercise Naseem-al-Bahr by the two navies in Gulf waters. Both the dignitaries agreed to further enhance the interaction between both navies in diverse fields of training, mutual visits and defence collaboration. The visit is expected to greatly augment the bilateral cooperation between both the countries in general and Navies in particular.